North Cook News

City of Evanston issued the following announcement on Aug. 23.

More Evanston residents will have access to Divvy bike share as part of the newly expanded Divvy for Everyone (D4E) program, Divvy announced today.

Evanston residents ages 16 and older with an annual household income at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or who receive SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP or public housing benefits will now qualify for the discounted annual memberships – only $5 for the entire first year – as part of the D4E program. Annual memberships include unlimited rides of 45 minutes or less anywhere within Divvy's network.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is generously supporting the Divvy for Everyone program improvements.

“Accessibility and inclusivity are our top priorities at Divvy,” said Michael Critzon, Divvy General Manager. “We’ve had tremendous success with the Divvy for Everyone program so far, and we are looking forward to helping more Evanston residents at all income levels explore and enjoy Evanston and Chicago on a bike.”

“I’m thrilled to partner with Divvy and Blue Cross Blue Shield in expanding the Divvy for Everyone program to Evanston,” said Mayor Stephen Hagerty. “Evanston is a bike-friendly community, and it’s important that all residents are able to access and enjoy this healthy, convenient and sustainable transportation option."

Evanston residents who qualify for the D4E program can sign up at the following locations during their office hours:

• Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St.
• Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd.
• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
• Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
• Robert Crown Community Center, 1701 Main St.

In addition, those participating in the City's General Assistance program may also sign up for the D4E program at the Morton Civic Center's General Assistance Office, 2100 Ridge Ave.

Credit card, debit card and cash payment are available at all locations. Minors who apply will have their eligibility determined based on their parent or guardian’s income, and their parent or guardian must sign the Divvy user agreement on their behalf.

Maximum household income to qualify for the D4E program depends on family size, and ranges from $22,311 for an individual to $60,976 for a family of six. More information about the Divvy for Everyone program and eligibility is available at divvybikes.com/pricing/d4e-evanston or by calling/texting 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.

About Divvy

Divvy is Chicagoland’s bike share system, giving Chicago and Evanston residents and visitors access to thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations across the region. Intended to provide additional options for getting around and exploring the city, Divvy is convenient, fast, fun and affordable. Divvy is North America’s largest bike share system based on service area, thanks in part to the support and sponsorship of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois. For more information and a map of station locations, visit DivvyBikes.com.

Original source can be found here.